American Legion hosts annual scholarship contest
Summer Goddard
Julia Maddy, Frank Pope and Riley DeLong pose for a photo after competing in the American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Contest held at Polson High School on Thursday, Feb. 20. The three high school juniors, two from Mission Valley Christian Academy and one from Polson High School, were awarded scholarship monies for their efforts.
Summer Goddard
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News from American Legion Post 112
POLSON – On Thursday, Feb. 20, American Legion Post 112 of Polson sponsored its annual Oratorical Speech Scholarship Contest at the Polson High School. This event is the opening round of the National Contest sponsored yearly by the American Legion. This year’s activity marks the 77th year of continuous sponsorship.
In addition to money awards (scholarships), winners receive other opportunities to continue their educational careers. The first place winner advances to the next level of competition and continues until the national competition, which takes place in Indianapolis, Ind. in April each year.
American Legion Post 112 was honored this year to again have three local participants competing in the speech contest. The first place winner was Frank Pope with his topic, “The Privilege and Duty of the American Citizen;” second place was earned by Riley DeLong and third place by Julia Maddy. Each contestant presented their own original oration (eight to 10 minutes long) addressing some aspect of the Constitution. A follow-up topic was assigned by drawing and each contestant then had the opportunity to present a three to five minute speech about the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
The contest was well attended by family members and faculty and staff from the schools represented and was judged by a panel of volunteers from the community. This year’s judging staff included Summer Goddard, Andrew Speer and Jack Mitchell with Gerald Roat and Roger Rasmussen acting as official timekeepers.
The next round (district level) of competition will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 2 at the Polson Masonic Lodge, 1102 Fourth Ave. East. The public is welcome to attend.
American Legion Post 112 would like to thank all who attended and most especially the student-competitors for their efforts.
